PLAYING Shakespeare: Barton 1982

A SERIES OF MASTER CLASSES WITH THE GREATEST SHAKESPEAREAN ACTORS OF THEIR AGE

SIT IN ON NINE INTENSIVE ACTING WORKSHOPS conducted by the legendary John Barton of the Royal Shakespeare Company. How does this world-renowned troupe make classic plays accessible to modern audiences, without compromising the text’s integrity? How do actors search Shakespeare’s verse for hidden clues to their characters’ motivations? How do they balance intellect and passion to make theatre’s most famous soliloquies seem fresh?

1. THE TWO TRADITIONSShakespeare wrote for a performance style that differs in many respects from modern, “naturalistic” acting. Barton urges the actors to marry both traditions for the richest, most faithful characterizations.

Written and Presented by JOHN BARTONDirected by JOHN CARLAWProduced by ANDREW SNELLExecutive Producers MELVYN BRAGG ( of present day in our time on BBC Radio 4! 🙂 ) and NICK EVANSCasting JANE DAVIESMusic GUY WOOLFENDENVideotape Editor GRAHAM ROBERTS